EU Parliament demands urgent humanitarian access in Gaza

The European Parliament on Thursday adopted a resolution expressing deep alarm at the “catastrophic” humanitarian situation in Gaza, urging EU action to ensure the delivery of aid and calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire.

MEPs strongly condemned Israel’s obstruction of humanitarian assistance, which they said has led to famine in northern Gaza, and demanded that all relevant border crossings be opened. They also pressed for the full reinstatement of the UNRWA mandate and funding, with strict oversight, while rejecting the current aid distribution system.

Parliament members stressed the urgent need for safe, unrestricted access to essentials such as food, water, medical supplies and shelter, and called for the immediate restoration of vital infrastructure. They urged all parties to uphold their humanitarian obligations under international law.

At the same time, the resolution reaffirmed Israel’s “inalienable right to self-defence” in line with international law, while condemning Hamas’ “barbaric crimes” against Israel and urging targeted EU sanctions against the group. MEPs demanded the unconditional release of all Israeli hostages in Gaza and called on the EU to leverage diplomatic pressure on third countries to push Hamas toward compliance.

However, MEPs warned that Israel’s right to self-defence cannot justify indiscriminate military action, voicing concern at the ongoing operations in Gaza that have caused immense civilian suffering. They also condemned Hamas’ use of civilians as human shields.

The resolution endorsed the European Commission President’s decision to suspend bilateral EU support to Israel and partially suspend trade agreements. MEPs called for thorough investigations into all alleged war crimes and breaches of international law, with accountability for perpetrators.

They also backed EU sanctions on violent Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, while urging sanctions against Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Looking ahead, Parliament stressed the need for a comprehensive diplomatic push towards a two-state solution, including total demilitarisation of Gaza and the removal of Hamas from governance. It called for a reformed Palestinian Authority to be reinstalled as the sole governing body, and urged EU countries to enforce International Criminal Court arrest warrants.

“The establishment of a Palestinian state is essential for peace, Israel’s security and regional normalisation,” the resolution stated, adding that EU Member States should consider recognising the State of Palestine as part of advancing a two-state solution.

The resolution passed with 305 votes in favour, 151 against and 122 abstentions. All Maltese MEPs voted in favour of the resolution.